Grand National

How Many Times Has Nicky Henderson Won The Grand National?

3 hours ago

| BY Alex McMahon

A glittering career, legendary wins at Cheltenham, and a name etched into jump racing folklore – yet for Nicky Henderson, the Grand National at Aintree remains the one prize that has always slipped away.

Few tales in British sport are as compelling as the chase for the race that keeps eluding one of the all-time greats.

Could Hyland end Nicky Henderson’s winless run in the Aintree showpiece? Bet on the Grand National here!

The story of Henderson’s Grand National pursuit is one of near-misses, heartbreak, and relentless hope. Year after year, eyes turn to Aintree and wonder: has Nicky Henderson ever won the Grand National?

Despite sending 46 runners to the famous fences since 1979, the answer remains a twist in his narrative – no. Not yet.

Nicky Henderson’s Grand National Record: Triumphs and Torments

Nicky Henderson has been crowned champion jumps trainer six times and has notched up a staggering 78 Cheltenham Festival winners. He’s celebrated Cheltenham Gold Cups, Champion Hurdles, and Queen Mother Champion Chases.

Yet, when it comes to the Grand National, glory has always been just out of reach.

His very first runner, Zongalero, finished second in 1979, missing out on victory by only one and a half lengths. The 1980s brought another wave of hope and heartbreak, with The Tsarevich grabbing second place in 1987, and Classified finishing third in 1986.

Each spring, Henderson’s hopes would ride again at Aintree, only to be dashed somewhere beyond Becher’s Brook or the Elbow.

Every Nicky Henderson Runner at the Grand National

For the record keepers and racing romantics, here is a full list of Nicky Henderson’s Grand National runners and their finishing positions by year:

1979: Zongalero (2nd)
1980: Beacon Light (Fell), Zongalero (Unseated Rider)
1982: Spartan Missile (Pulled Up)
1983: Spartan Missile (7th)
1984: Classified (4th), Mohican II (Pulled Up)
1985: Classified (Unseated Rider), Aces Over (Fell)
1986: Classified (3rd), The Tsarevich (5th)
1987: The Tsarevich (2nd)
1988: The Tsarevich (Unseated Rider)
1989: Sacred Path (Fell)
1990: Sacred Path (Brought Down)
1991: Brown Windsor (Pulled Up)
1992: Brown Windsor (6th), Party Politics (Pulled Up)
1994: Master Oats (Pulled Up)
1995: Brown Windsor (7th)
1996: Senor El Betrutti (Unseated Rider)
1997: Go Ballistic (Brought Down)
1998: Earthmover (Unseated Rider)
1999: Fiddling The Facts (3rd)
2000: Esprit De Cotte (Unseated Rider)
2001: Esprit De Cotte (8th)
2002: Marlborough (Fell), Be My Royal (Pulled Up)
2003: Goguenard (Fell)
2004: Calling Brave (Unseated Rider)
2005: Fondmort (Fell)
2006: Juveigneur (Pulled Up)
2007: Juveigneur (Unseated Rider)
2008: Fleet Street (Brought Down)
2009: Fleet Street (Pulled Up)
2011: Quinz (Pulled Up)
2012: Shakalakaboomboom (9th)
2013: Roberto Goldback (Unseated Rider)
2014: Hunt Ball (17th)
2015: Hadrian’s Approach (Unseated Rider)
2016: Triolo D’Alene (7th)
2017: Cocktails At Dawn (Unseated Rider)
2018: Gold Present (Pulled Up)
2019: Valtor (Unseated Rider)
2022: Caribean Boy (Pulled Up)
2023: Mister Coffey (8th)
2025: Chantry House (16th), Hyland (Pulled Up)

Still Searching for Aintree Magic In 2026

Today, as Hyland (66/1) lines up for the 2026 renewal, the old narrative stirs again. Will this finally be the year Henderson’s luck changes?

His Grand National record, once described by himself as “pretty moderate,” remains one of racing’s most curious puzzles. The anticipation, the camaraderie, and the hope – these are the threads that keep the Henderson Grand National story alive.

Hyland will fly the flag for the Seven Barrows handler in 2026, providing he gets into this year’s race. Can the gallant grey give Henderson a maiden Grand National success? Only time will tell.

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Grand National

Grand National Horse racing Nicky Henderson Aintree Hyland